Photographs: Co. Cork

Ground-ivy Glechoma hederacea Athair lusa Family: Lamiaceae Flowering time: March-June. Perennial. Native. Whorls of mauve-blue (occasionally pink) 2-lipped flowers, sometimes with purple spots on the throat and lower lip. The calyx is 5-toothed. Erect flower stalks and stalked leaves that are cordate and blunt-toothed. A hairy plant with rooting trailing or creeping stems. Height varies with habitat, taller in rich, damp soils. 10-25cm. Frequent on dry or damp ground in woods, hedges and gardens. Similar: Variegated Ground-ivy. Garden escape.

Ground-ivy, Glechoma hederacea, Athair lusa